Dobri

Yip, a MTB with drop bars is classified as a gravel bike. I took part at the Berg 100 last weekend and one lady showed up with an S-Works Epic World Cup LTD that her husband converted to a gravel bike by replacing the flat MTB bars with drop bars - no comment from the CSA commissioner. It is the most beautiful bike I have ever seen.

I know the area well, the trails around the Falls is not tame (or less technical) but are easily handled on a MTB, on a gravel bike a very different story. There is lot of options around Karkloof and no reason at all to use any single trails, use the jeep track and farm roads if needed be, why not make it pure gravel - why make a GravDuro event, makes no sense to me.

Silly question - why? It's a gravel race - why include single track? Single track should be for a MTB race only.

That's the Berg and Bush weekend, eish, it's not really same style or type of event but still, why clash with an already established date from long time ago, and forcing riders to choose between the two. I would like to take part but B&B takes precedence.

I've sent you a DM.

I was considering buying it but then decided to first try the cheaper version of it from Temu, it does make the ride little bit smoother but it was useless on heavy corrugation so I'm glad I did not spend R6k on the Redshift version.

This is great news especially that solo entries are allowed and I will most seriously consider entering, however, one possible huge obstacle to my entry is the gravel bike only condition. I do have one, love riding it, 1 or 2 days in a row, maybe with a push 3rd day too but being well over 50 riding my gravel bike 7 days in a row over corrugated roads will not end up nice irrespective of the amount of training. It is the lower back, neck, shoulders that will be the problem, not the legs. I would suggest that those chasing the overall or age category podium and prizes should be gravel bike only, rest can race on MTB's. I like to race but I also do not want to end up in hospital or at the chiropractor for few days afterwards.

Did you order cycling shoes? If yes how do they fit? Any comments? Cycling shoes in SA are ridiculously expensive lately.

What an awesome adventure, thank you for sharing.

Out of Riverstone turn left and after 100m turn right onto the jeep track past the few houses, ride next to the N14 for +-2km and turn right onto the gravel road, most stunning views of the Cradle from there, then use the gpx file to follow the route. Hard start but good gravel roads. Going out about 2km of tar, coming back about 7km depending how you come back. Excluding the concrete section at Magalies. Most of the N14 section has a wide gravel side.

Here's few options, have fun. Wimpy in Magalies is closed for now so stop at the garage or next to the Spar is also a very nice place. I prefer to start from Riverstone as to avoid the 30km of tar if you start from Bidon or Neck and Deck. 8 hour mini Munga.gpx Riverstone Magalies 98km.gpx Riverstone Magalies 118km.gpx Riverstone Magalies 150km.gpx Bidon_Magalies_ride_.gpx Riverstone_Lodge_Magalies_gravel_ride.gpx

Hi Pieter, send me a DM and I will give you few options from Cradle to Magalies and back, I have various routes from 85km - 150km's. Or you can just download them from my Strava account.

Hi guys, does anyone know off hand which make and model of dual suspension mtb can take 40t or 42t chainring? Info on bikes websites not always very helpful. I know Spec Epic and new Trek SK can take 38t though.

Hi guys, apparently they have re-opened, cannot find info on the internet but someone on FB commented, does anyone know for sure if they have opened? Which trails?

Agree, I tried reading the changes and got lost after second sentence. I blame it on IT okes who have to justify their existence and extremely high hourly charges.